Radical church wants ‘Santa will take you to hell’ sign in Olympia

Want to witness a religious circus this holiday season? Look no further than the third floor of the state capitol in Olympia.

A controversial Kansas church known for blaming American casualties in Iraq on nationwide tolerance for homosexuality has asked the state for permission to erect a sign stating that “Santa Claus will take you to hell.”

The sign would join a Christian Nativity set, three signs mocking atheism, and the one that started it all – the sign from the atheist group Freedom From Religion whose message that “religion hardens hearts and enslaves minds” sparked a furious nationwide debate over the nature of atheism and the boundaries between church and state.

According to the Spokesman Review, the text of the Westboro Baptist Church’s message would read:

“You’d better watch out, get ready to cry, You’d better go hide, I’m telling you why ‘cuz Santa Claus will take you to hell. He is your favorite idol, you worship at his feet, but when you stand before your God He won’t help you take the heat. So get this fact straight: you’re feeling God’s hate, Santa’s to blame for the economy’s fate, Santa Claus will take you to hell.”

The state is also reviewing requests for a display depicting “The Spaghetti Monster,” a fictional figure often cited in philosophical debates about the existence of God, a “Festivus” pole, which refers to a mock holiday from a “Seinfeld” episode and – in a surprising show of normalcy – a sign from a Christian woman in Bellevue who wants to offer blessings on all people.

Many people feel very strongly about issues relating to faith. But you have to wonder where this is going. If the Showdown at the Rotunda is becoming what it looks like it’s becoming — a pop-theological shouting match — can it do anyone any good?

Gov. Gregoire is responsible for this mess. Having first acceded to the requests of atheists to attack Christmas, she is now confronted with the likes of the Westboro Baptist Church, a viciously anti-American, anti-Catholic and anti-gay group. There is a way to deal with this situation in a manner that is legally acceptable and morally defensible, but neither the Washington governor, nor her lawyers, have figured it out. …

Gov. Gregoire should have allowed the atheist group to display its sign in a different location, or at a different time, but not directly next to the nativity scene at Christmastime. Had she done so, she would be able to treat the Westboro Baptist bigots the same way.